nabling women to balance work and caregiving is not only the right thing to do as it is essential for economic progress.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Childcare is not solely a women’s issue, it is an economic and policy issue and by enabling women to balance work and caregiving is not only the right thing to do but also it is essential for economic progress.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in a World Bank Group event for Childcare as an Enabler of Women’s Increased Economic Participation in Sri Lanka held today (17) at Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo.

The roundtable was mainly focused on how opportunities can be granted for women in order to thrive in the workforce while contributing to the nation’s economy with the childcare services.

Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya highlighted that Women are central to the economy in both paid or unpaid contributions. However, barriers continue to restrict their workforce participation. It is true that women’s labour force participation in Sri Lanka stands at only 32%, significantly lower than men’s participation at 74%, however, this statistic fails to capture the full scope of women’s economic contributions as women’s unpaid contributions are not statistically included.

Closing the gender gap could increase Sri Lanka’s GDP by up to 20% as this is not just a social goal, it is an economic strategy that strengthens family wellbeing and national development.

The Sri Lankan government has taken steps such as Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs through the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs to expand childcare services in order to support the women in workforce.

The Prime Minister further stated that tax incentives are being provided for businesses offering child protection services, economic assistance is being granted to working families, and a National Child Protection Framework is already in operation to ensure the quality of such services. Further, she emphasized that public-private partnerships are crucial in expanding the provision of these services.

The Prime Minister appreciated the World Bank’s support in this regard.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Ms . K.D.R. Olga, Gevorg Sargsyan, World Bank Group Country Manger for Sri Lanka and representatives from the government, private sector, civil society and officials from the World Bank Group.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The event served as a platform to further strengthen parliamentary ties and promote collaboration on women’s empowerment and gender equality between Sri Lanka and India.

The reception was attended by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; the Minister of Women and Child Affairs and the chairperson of the women parliamentarian causus, Ms. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, along with several esteemed Members of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, representing both the government and the opposition.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Clean Sri Lanka should become a lifestyle for everyone in the country.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that every school principal should implement the Clean Sri Lanka program in their respective school as a model initiative for the entire nation, emphasizing that Clean Sri Lanka should become a lifestyle for everyone in the country.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (16th) while attending a progress review discussion held at the Temple Trees with officials from the Ministry of Education and the Clean Sri Lanka program. During the meeting, officials shared their experiences with practical examples and made presentations to the Prime Minister.

Addressing the discussion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

What we are trying to do now are the things we should have done around fifty years ago. Therefore, this should not be done in haste like just another project. We still have time.

Clean Sri Lanka is not merely about cleaning. It’s about maintaining a clean environment while also shaping our thoughts, desires, attitudes, and behaviors accordingly.

Clean Sri Lanka must become a lifestyle for everyone. That is precisely why we have introduced this program to schools addressing future generations, so the student community can grow up with this awareness and habit.

Already, a significant number of programs have been successfully implemented with the voluntary support of school children, parents, the armed forces, and many other stakeholders.

These Programs conducted in schools should be communicated to the wider public through media in order to create public awareness and inspiration.

Another important factor is obtaining guidance and direction from the relevant parties to meet the requirements of students with special needs through the Clean Sri Lanka initiative based in schools.

Special attention must be paid to the needs and convenience of differently-abled individuals when developing toilet and sanitation facilities under this program.

Further, all toilet and sanitation facilities constructed under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative must follow a signature standards. There should not be different standards in different places.

When implementing Clean Sri Lanka in schools, there might be some financial constraints. We have the ability to provide prompt solutions to those issues.

Clean Sri Lanka must be extended beyond schools to technical colleges, teacher training colleges, and universities as well. This is not a temporary initiative targeting a single individual or group. It is the initial phase of a massive national program aimed at the entire country.

Let us move forward by learning from our experiences and correcting our shortcomings.

The discussion was attended by the officials of the Ministry of Education and the Clean Sri Lanka program.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a high-level meeting with Dr. Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on June 16, at Temple Trees.

Welcoming Dr. Gopinath and the visiting IMF delegation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to working closely with international partners as Sri Lanka forges ahead on its path to economic recovery.

During the discussion, Dr. Gopinath commended the transparent and proactive approach of the new government to debt restructuring, noting that the significant progress made so far has strengthened international confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic revival.

She further highlighted Sri Lanka’s economic reform framework as a well-structured model that could guide other nations facing similar fiscal and structural challenges.

Both parties held extensive discussions on attracting greater foreign investment, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy, where sustainable and large-scale development is crucial for long-term resilience. Prime Minister Amarasuriya stressed that enhancing governance, strengthening institutions, and promoting transparency at all levels of government and public financial management remain top priorities for the administration. She reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all economic recovery measures remain inclusive and centred on people’s welfare.

The meeting also focused on the need to bolster Sri Lanka’s social protection mechanisms and to accelerate reforms in the education sector to better equip the workforce to meet emerging challenges, which are vital for advancing social equity and achieving sustainable development goals.

Dr. Gopinath assured the Prime Minister of the IMF’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing reform programme and reiterated the institution’s readiness to provide the necessary technical and financial assistance to help the country maintain macroeconomic stability and foster long-term growth.

The discussion was attended by senior IMF officials, including Dr. Martin Kaufman (Advisor), Dr. Krishna Srinivasan, and Dr. Peter Breuer from the Asia Pacific Department. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; senior officials from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; and Mr. Dharshana M. Perera, Senior Director General of the Economic Affairs Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is working towards a tourism development initiative aimed at promoting tourism at rural level by strengthening the capacity of local tourism service providers.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the inaugural ceremony of the China–Sri Lanka–Maldives Tourism Forum, held on June 16 at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo, under the theme "Connectivity and Collaborative Success along the Silk Road."

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated:

The primary vision of this forum is not only to boost economic growth through the tourism industry but also to foster the connection and ng people, cultural understanding, and regional cooperation within South Asia.

China continues to attract millions of tourists with its vast and diverse landscapes, centuries-old heritage sites, and distinctly modern cities.

The Maldives represents idyllic islands with pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and world-renowned luxury resorts.

Sri Lanka, offers a unique blend of experiences from the sacred city of Anuradhapura to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, from the golden southern coastline to the mist-covered tea plantations of the central highlands.

The government is currently focused on building a tourism industry that not only focuses on generating income but also protects our ecosystems, values our cultural heritage, and empowers our communities.

In this regard, regional cooperation is of vital importance to Sri Lanka. This forum creates the path for streamline visa processes, align health and safety standards, develop integrated marketing strategies, and attract international investments.

Our aim is to transform the tourism sector into one that reaches rural communities, supports women entrepreneurs, and encourages youth participation.

The government is already taking measures to promote eco-tourism, enhance digital tourism infrastructure, and strengthen the capacity of local tourism service providers.

Particularly, attention has also been directed toward establishing a community-based tourism model that ensures tourism benefits reach underrepresented regions of the country.

Collaborating with the innovations of China presents an opportunity to elevate the tourism industry to new heights in Sri Lanka.

It is important to remember that the true value of the tourism industry lies not only in its economic returns but also in its ability to nurture human connections. It provides the power to dismantle uniform perspectives, foster empathy, and build peace. In a divided world, tourism opens pathways to unite across borders, cultures, and generations.

The event was attended by the heads of the Chinese and Maldivian diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka, along with a delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and other distinguished guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The National Commemorative Ceremony marking World Blood Donor Day, observed on June 14 at Temple Trees with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Coinciding with the event, a special appreciation ceremony was also held to honor blood donors.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

The theme declared by the World Health Organization for this year is "Give Blood, Give Hope – Together we save lives." In Sri Lanka, approximately 85% of the annual blood requirement is fulfilled through the invaluable contribution of organizers of mobile blood donation campaigns. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to them.

Out of the 450,000 blood units received annually by the National Blood Transfusion Service, more than 380,000, around 85% are collected through these mobile donation campaigns. Nearly 5,000 mobile blood donation drives are organized annually to support this cause.

Around 1,500 blood donors and nearly 1,000 mobile blood donation campaign organizers participated in this commemorative event. Individuals representing all ethnicities, religions, provinces, and regions of the country ranging from corporate entities, government institutions, volunteer organizations, schools, defense services, and individual contributors were awarded at this ceremony.

These organizers dedicate their personal resources, time, and labor voluntarily without expecting any personal gain.

The uniquely effective blood donation system that exists in Sri Lanka is not seen in many parts of the world.

The government intends to systematically reinstate a previously proposed initiative to allocate one day annually for state institutions to participate in blood donation.

Additionally, more opportunities should be provided within the school system to raise awareness about blood donation, as future blood donors are nurtured through education.

Even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, these individuals fulfilled their national responsibility without hesitation.

Today, Sri Lanka has become a country that meets 100% of its blood demand through voluntary donations, thanks to the tremendous service rendered by these individuals.

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalimda Jayatissa, further stated:

Two key sectors of Sri Lanka’s health system, the primary healthcare and the National Blood Transfusion Service have received international recognition. In 2010, the World Health Assembly declared that by 2020, all countries should fulfill their blood requirements entirely through voluntary donations. Sri Lanka achieved this goal by 2014. As of today, only about 70 countries worldwide have reached this standard.

The true heroes behind this significant achievement are Sri Lanka’s blood donors and mobile campaign organizers, a uniquely committed group of individuals with pure hearts.

The government is also focusing on modernizing the Blood Transfusion Service further.

The Ministry of Health is working to introduce opportunities for stem cell and plasma donations, implement NAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) testing, enhance quality control mechanisms at all blood banks, and establish internationally recognized standards such as AABB and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to uplift the service to even greater heights.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, and Secretary, Consultant Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, Dr. Lakshman Edirisingh and several government officials and a large number of blood donors.

Prime Minister’s Media Division